Ridgefield festival looks back to '64

Evan Fallor

Published 10:24 pm, Wednesday, July 16, 2014

The Ridgefield Historical Society has donated photographs of storefronts circa 1964, which will be hang in the windows of several shops for the Chamber of Commerceís ìSummerfest 64î themed sidewalk sale Friday and Saturday. This photo shows the former Brunettiís Market and H.P. Bissell Druggist, currently Interiors & Design by Ursula and the Bissell House Restaurant.
Photo: Contributed Photo

"We said, `Well, how can we make that relevant to everyone in a family?" said O'Connell. "Everyone talked about classic cars and music and how it would make a great theme. Fifty years just felt right."

"So much happened in 1964," said Ahlstrom. "We jumped right on it because we have so many wonderful assets in our town."

Festivities commence Friday evening at Ballard Park with a Beatles tribute act -- 1964 marked the start of the British invasion -- and a series of Motown performances followed by an outdoor screening of the Beatles' "A Hard Day's Night."

Main Street will close at 10 a.m. Saturday between Bailey Avenue and Prospect Street to accommodate foot traffic to street vendors and a "Sixties Swap Meet" tag sale on Catoonah Street.

Throughout the day, stores will hold sales, a kid zone will have an inflatable railroad car, and a "Cruise-In" car show with 64 classic vehicles will be held at the Bailey Avenue parking lot.

First Selectman Rudy Marconi will be responsible for logistics, as well as for drawing three winners of a raffle for a Ridgefield shopping spree. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce.

"We have a very wonderful community made up of merchants that continue to supply services to the people of Ridgefield," said Marconi. "It would mean a lot if people could show up and support them. Or they could just come into town and enjoy a beautiful day."

To add some authenticity, the Ridgefield Historical Society donated photographs of storefronts circa 1964, now hung in the windows of several shops. Those attending the festival can see what the same building looked like 50 years ago. Some have changed little, if at all.

"A lot of buildings are exactly the same, but a lot of the businesses are different," said Historical Society Administrator Betsy Reid.

Bill Craig, third-generation owner of Craig's Fine Jewelry, which has been in business for 54 years, said the store's interior has changed many times, but the exterior remains much the same.

The store will hold a 64-percent-off sale inside, as well as having a table outside offering pearl bracelets for $64.

"There's a lot more enthusiasm this year over past sidewalk sales," Craig said. "Everything the Chamber of Commerce has done -- there's a new vibe."

Cindy Briggs, a client consultant for Addessi Jewelers on Main Street, said the shop will have a Jackie Kennedy theme Saturday, incorporating her signature white gloves and small hats in a window display. The store has also hired a Jackie Kennedy look-alike to stand out front and distribute trivia cards pertaining to the former first lady.

"She was a classy lady, so the stuff we have here is a very good example of the kind of jewelry she wore," said Briggs. "We had to clean out all the closets to find stuff from 1964."

Several businesses have said that they will slash prices to those of the era, but not all. O'Connell, also the owner of Nancy O boutique and knitting studio on Catoonah Street, said she will offer some discounts and give away 64 party baskets.

"Obviously, we can't sell everything at 1964 prices," said O'Connell. "But for one day to take items that would be on sale anyway and roll them back, it's fun."